Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced that Sylvia Liu of Milpitas has been awarded the 2010 G.I.R.L. (Gamers in Real Life) Scholarship. This marks the third year of the scholarship program, encouraging students toward career paths in the creative and applied arts, ultimately resulting in the development of video games that are more enticing for women to play.

Liu, an entertainment design student, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship to be applied toward her tuition and other educational expenses at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., and an optional paid internship of up to 10 weeks at SOE's headquarters in San Diego, working on one of the company's hit titles.

"I feel so happy and honored to be chosen as the winner this year," said Liu. "I worked hard on my submission and am very proud of what I accomplished for this competition. This opportunity will help me a long way in my career so I can't wait to get started!"

Liu was one of over 200 applicants vying for the scholarship. Finalists were asked to submit original concept art depicting a new game environment and new characters for either Free Realms(tm) or EverQuest(r)II, in addition to an essay discussing their views on women in the video game industry.

"SOE has now paved the way for three female students, giving them the foundation to pursue a career in the video game industry," said Laura Naviaux, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, SOE. "We are extremely thrilled to have Sylvia represent the G.I.R.L program this year and we plan to continue our efforts in raising awareness of females in this business by unveiling additional initiatives we're working on later this year."